Hemangiosarcoma in Cats

Johannes, C. M., C. J. Henry, et al. (2007). "Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(12): 1851-6.

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer arising from blood vessels and is considered rare in cats. Traditionally, feline hemangiosarcoma is classified as either dermal or visceral, with no distinction between cutaneous and subcutaneous dermal tumors. The purpose of this study was to characterize feline hemangiosarcoma and determine the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators associated with this type of tumor. In a retrospective case series, data from 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma was evaluated. Cutaneous and subcutaneous locations were more common than abdominal and thoracic locations. In 47 of the cats, surgery was the primary treatment. Tumor-free surgical margins were associated with longer survival times and were more likely to be obtained in cutaneous than subcutaneous tumors. Local recurrence was experienced in 6 of the 12 cats with subcutaneous tumors for which follow-up was available. Metastic disease was experienced by several cats. Of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias, 18 were directly related to the tumor. Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more aggressive than the cutaneous form, and it was more likely to recur locally and result in death or euthanasia. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Culp, W. T., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2008). "Feline visceral hemangiosarcoma." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 148-52.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Johannes, C. M., C. J. Henry, et al. (2007). "Hemangiosarcoma in cats: 53 cases (1992-2002)." J Am Vet Med Assoc 231(12): 1851-6.

Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer arising from blood vessels and is considered rare in cats. Traditionally, feline hemangiosarcoma is classified as either dermal or visceral, with no distinction between cutaneous and subcutaneous dermal tumors. The purpose of this study was to characterize feline hemangiosarcoma and determine the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, treatment outcomes, and prognostic indicators associated with this type of tumor. In a retrospective case series, data from 53 cats with hemangiosarcoma was evaluated. Cutaneous and subcutaneous locations were more common than abdominal and thoracic locations. In 47 of the cats, surgery was the primary treatment. Tumor-free surgical margins were associated with longer survival times and were more likely to be obtained in cutaneous than subcutaneous tumors. Local recurrence was experienced in 6 of the 12 cats with subcutaneous tumors for which follow-up was available. Metastic disease was experienced by several cats. Of the 21 known deaths or euthanasias, 18 were directly related to the tumor. Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was more aggressive than the cutaneous form, and it was more likely to recur locally and result in death or euthanasia. Visceral hemangiosarcoma is associated with a grave prognosis.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Culp, W. T., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2008). "Feline visceral hemangiosarcoma." J Vet Intern Med 22(1): 148-52.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More

Pericardial Effusion in Cats

Davidson, B. J., A. C. Paling, et al. (2008). "Disease association and clinical assessment of feline pericardial effusion." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(1): 5-9.

Records of 83 cats with pericardial effusion diagnosed at Washington State University and the University of California (Davis) were reviewed to determine the main causes and clinical significance. The most common causes were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with congestive heart failure, cancer, and systemic infection. Most affected cats also had pleural effusion or pulmonary edema and signs of respiratory disease. Pericardial effusion is infrequent in cats, but is associated with serious cardiac and non-cardiac disease when it occurs and so warrants careful investigation.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hall, D. J., F. Shofer, et al. (2007). "Pericardial effusion in cats: a retrospective study of clinical findings and outcome in 146 cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 1002-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Davidson, B. J., A. C. Paling, et al. (2008). "Disease association and clinical assessment of feline pericardial effusion." J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 44(1): 5-9.

Records of 83 cats with pericardial effusion diagnosed at Washington State University and the University of California (Davis) were reviewed to determine the main causes and clinical significance. The most common causes were hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with congestive heart failure, cancer, and systemic infection. Most affected cats also had pleural effusion or pulmonary edema and signs of respiratory disease. Pericardial effusion is infrequent in cats, but is associated with serious cardiac and non-cardiac disease when it occurs and so warrants careful investigation.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Hall, D. J., F. Shofer, et al. (2007). "Pericardial effusion in cats: a retrospective study of clinical findings and outcome in 146 cats." J Vet Intern Med 21(5): 1002-7.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More